开云体育

Helsing quickly marked his last two questions about the number of vampires and how many might preferred to become human again, as, unknown at this time. He could not resist a chuckle when she mentioned some mortals over eating, and needlessly gorging themselves. That is quite an interesting way to think of it, he commented; so vampires do that too, or at least, some of them do? He looks surprised, you seem to be quite in control of things such as this, I say that as a sincere compliment from me to you. I would think that remaining largely hungry, might be just as detrimental to one’s health in its own way, as is needlessly gorging. It leaves one more vulnerable to lose control. He nodded with understanding when she mentioned her definite preference for the city. That is understandable, but I always thought of most vampires as more…, Solitary, more creatures of solitude I should say, preferring more remote, rural areas. But I can also very much see your point of view. He brightened when she spoke of the cross protecting him, indeed it will, he replied with an affirming nod. he reached out to lovingly caress it, but gave her a troubled look. You wear a frown; may I ask, what troubles you?

"You know Heidi, I think I may have forgotten Victor's wish. I don't know how it slipped my mind. I suppose his unexpected condition frightened me away from thinking. You have made me see reason again, so I finally remembered. Victor wished to attend a party hosted by...Dr Hyde, I think the name was. And his Lady Rena. If I remember the names right. He met them only recently and did not seem certain himself. I have never arranged for a party myself. The last ones I attended were rather poorly done, so I have virtually no expertise in how to approach the subject. I hope you understand I am not doing it out of any selfish reasons. It just now occurred to me that having a dinner party might make Victor feel stronger again. Like he is fully recovered and can easily attend. But I could be overwhelmed by the whole process as well and would need your help in making preparations. The idea being that Victor feels indisposed now, but would of course recover shortly. So plan our encounter with Victor's friend for a few weeks times. Now what is next? Well, I gave you their names. So, I suppose you would somehow locate their address and them mail them our confirmation, that we would be arriving to the party. Then, should we bring some food with us, is that the norm? If so, who is responsible here for such preparations, is it Abby?" Elizabeth wondered, all her irritation currently gone through the idea that the wishes of Keres would be executed, one way or another. Oh Doctor you are most welcome, Mary Beth replied with a smile, although as much as you travel, and work out in the field, I am certain that you likely know more about such things. She placed a finger over her mouth, as Van Hoff‘s voice gradually seemed to be rising in volume, due to his excitement. He is still unconscious, but should he awaken at this time, we don’t want to frighten him with the excessive volume of our voices, she gently cautioned, making certain to keep her own voice at a hushed tone. Very well Mistress, Heidi returned Elizabeth’s smile, if it’s all the same to you then, I shall go and perhaps rest for a couple more hours or so, before I begin to prepare breakfast for you. Should you need me, of course you have only to call. If there is nothing else…, She paused, and gave a moderately deep bough, looking toward the door, preparing to take her leave, if Elizabeth did not suddenly think of something else of which she had need at the present time. God loves you.

On Saturday, August 29, 2020, quipster1@... <quipster1@...> wrote: A dowry, doctor? You flatter me indeed, Marybeth stated truthfully, her eyes widening and surprise to match the emotion in her voice, and in her heart. She nodded to the statement about the patient having more about which to be concerned, indeed he does, or at least, so it would appear. But your compliment means so much to me, I appreciate them very much. She looked surprised when Dr. Van Hoff wanted to feed the patient chicken broth, since he was still unconscious. We should try not to let him choke, she commented, as the smell of the chicken broth being prepared, soon filled the house. It was soon brought into the room, here you are Doctor, the girl who had prepared the broth answered. That is an incredible experience, Heidi commented, most strange if I may say so, not sounding at all untruthful, just…, Strange. I don’t recall having any such dreams, but the ones I am having now at times, make me feel as though I have more endurance than I have had previously. but what do you think is the reason for this, mistress? Heidi looked truly curious and interested, watching Elizabeth with what seems to be a newfound respect and admiration.

Victor left her alone and she thought she would have pleasant dreams. They were to an extent. Very pleasant dreams of Cylas and her working her outrage. Making friends with Keres again. And her charming husband. Running away from Victor. Running away from a tall dark shadow that she just knew was named Captain Dance. She had displeased him, frustrated his plans and she had to pay. Victor was compelled to make her pay, a moronic smile pasted onto his lips. He was chasing her all around, with sweet promises and empty needs. Elizabeth was having none of them met apparently, and he was getting separated from her the way King Henry separated from his wife. One time, he stripped his mask away, and she shrieked in horror as she saw his true face behind it. "I want to party," she informed him incongruously, not able to form a better response. "Please let us go to this party," she asked, and his repeating silent nod was all the more frightening because of mysterious smile that accompanied each nod. "Stop it, please," she reasonably requested but he did not, so she sought to distract him again. "I want the party, don't you want to meet everyone," Elizabeth wondered, trying to remember the names Keres had mentioned. "Renfield and Dance will all be there," she added and he seemed to be taken with the idea at last. No, not taken truly, but...what, thoughtful, that was it. Apprehensive, and finally afraid. That was very satisfying to her. "A party then? I want to go," she found herself repeating, relishing the feeling of being in control of his fears this time. She was turning in her sleep, repeating her suggestion with varying degrees of comfort, and in the final analysis Victor ended up putting his mask back on. Which was a small triumph where she was concerned. Because nobody needed to see That face again.

"Very recently actually. Right after I realized how you useful you are to me. For your ability to ensnare the mind. For your physical strength. And for your anti social charm so reminiscent of Leticia's here. Not everybody would be automatically accepted to be my body guard, but you certainly qualify, my dear. Do not let your fears and inadequacies stand in the way, by the way. You have passed the test. You proved yourself. I accept you now. Yes, it is true as unbelievable as it may be. And you are very welcome, I know you will thank me later," Henry smugly reassured the vampire. "Of course I consider it to be superior. I get to be my true self. My reflexes are faster. My instincts are sharper. My acuity and physical prowess are enhanced. And my mind is in the right place, implying it is uninhibited by irrelevant considerations that plague lesser minds. It is similar to being a vampire, only better. Vampires are primitive killers with some limitations. I am equally good at killing, and I am not going to be caught sucking blood. And besides, some vampiric lore, though widely disbelieved in this rational age, is at least known. My attributes and weaknesses are too individual to ever have been recorded. At least as far as I know. You are rare, but still fairly common, you follow the same pattern as others of your kind. I am unique. There are none like me, not mentally, nor physically, with Rena here being the only exception I am hitherto aware of. I am unique, I am special, I am indeed a superior being. Far above ordinary humans, a predator in my own right. It does seem regrettably like I have some limitations though, so I will accept your services. Rena my darling, when you say that Caligari is not easy to kill, let me preface my words with a qualification that I am not averse to a slow methodical killing any more than Leticia here is. And yet, how shall we proceed with this. What makes this kill difficult and how can the difficulty be overcome?" Henry wondered, his friendly, wicked, light hearted expression turning into that of intense determination.

Helsing quickly marked his last two questions about the number of vampires and how many might preferred to become human again, as, unknown at this time. He could not resist a chuckle when she mentioned some mortals over eating, and needlessly gorging themselves. That is quite an interesting way to think of it, he commented; so vampires do that too, or at least, some of them do? He looks surprised, you seem to be quite in control of things such as this, I say that as a sincere compliment from me to you. I would think that remaining largely hungry, might be just as detrimental to one’s health in its own way, as is needlessly gorging. It leaves one more vulnerable to lose control. He nodded with understanding when she mentioned her definite preference for the city. That is understandable, but I always thought of most vampires as more…, Solitary, more creatures of solitude I should say, preferring more remote, rural areas. But I can also very much see your point of view. He brightened when she spoke of the cross protecting him, indeed it will, he replied with an affirming nod. he reached out to lovingly caress it, but gave her a troubled look. You wear a frown; may I ask, what troubles you?

? He was truly thinking...that was either good or dangerous, but Natari continued on with her experiment, giving him a smile and formulating her reply honestly, considering as she spoke. "Good thoughts and in many access you are correct. But as a man of science knows, there are always exceptions, deviations either way." She adjusted in her chair, folding her hands in her lap. "Some vampires could have been nice people, for example, and been turned by a kind well meaning person but couldn't handle the changes. Some could go mad, some could turn darker of heart. Some can not handle the taking of blood or even lives to survive. Some can not handle all the extra sensory in put that is gained with vampirism and it is too much for their minds to process. Any of these can make them go mad and then of course they are even more dangerous. Then there are those who may have been kind or mild and they find they enjoy the power the taking of lives. If someone annoys them it's all they have to do to ensure they never annoy them again, for example. Power goes to their heads. Perhaps they couldn't handle it either and going darker was their way rather than going mad. Perhaps they only appeared nicer because they were simply more mild and the power was as such, dangerous in their hands. Along the same lines, if someone evil turned a kind person against their will, they could still remain kind if they did not go mad. It's such a personal evolution, but usually there is some sort of change because the body and senses become so much more and the life choices must, as a rule, change. It is just factual. Some like me, and I feel the more rare, remain mostly who we were. I feel the changes I made are logical considering what I have said and considering said changes not out of my character or twisting my character. I know for a fact I remain more inhibited than most." I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

? "It just looked like a bat," Leti scoffed doubtfully when Henry insulted Oliver's bat form. The vampire actually looked mildly shocked and put upon when Henry insulted his bat form. "A Satanist," he gave a short chuckle and shook his head. "And no, vampires are not born. I was turned during the first black plague when I would've died. A plague doctor believe it or not. My entire family had parished of the plague and I was waiting to join them when he...believed he did me the kindness of saving me." The old bitter ironic twist hit his belly again, and he looked away as his expression twisted, unwilling to show that to anyone. "The blood...It serves as food to us," he said, glad to have something else on which to focus, basic as it may be. He was disappointed in such primitive questions from a doctor while at the same time impressed that the man nor his lady companions hadn't screamed, fainted, run or attempted to kill him. Impressive truly. "Now I am afraid it is your turn." I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

"So, you think their honest wishes are more impressive than the ones they profess in public, Leticia?" Henry curiously wondered. "I doubt even that. They have a bit more avarice, and sexual perversions to make the wildest of monkeys blush, but that is about it. Their desires are generally just as petty as those of their constituents. Even if they are or need to pretend to be religious freaks. To have more attention from their wittle boring parents, and spouses, and mistresses, and whores. And especially their followers. To be the men of the manor in every respect. To surpass some Jones bloke in how they dress, or the size of their carriage. There used to be statesmen in our quarters. Men who wanted to ravage India and plunder Africa, not out of some ridiculous greed but for the glory of our country and perhaps human kind at large. Large designs is what I am about. If I were in charge, I would want the greater desires to be allowed. For very few worthy men to have their will done. To be able to fight and overcome, to conquer. Desires like mine, for humans as they used to be, they cannot be accomplished in society. Civilization cannot afford to express its true need. Perhaps it needs to restrain itself. To make sure its desires are so small that they cannot threaten the fabric of society. That is why I would never dream of reducing myself to being voted for. It would be equivalent to joining the practiced deception game. Above all I value the brutal honesty, of the kind even your savage nature can approve." Jekyll happily concluded. This topic of Leticia's proclivities being still too novel to get old. "No, they certainly don't. Their horizons are too limited by what they know, or worse yet, by what they can imagine. I want...greatness. I know I can have it, somehow. I can force it back, from the oblivion of the past into which it sank. And only a few mortals can accompany the likes of me onto such a journey. Not even because of how perilous it is, which is undeniably true, but because of the multiple self restraints that are as unnatural as religion and the course of human civilization. The path generally trodden is from better to worse and I would want to reverse it. The law of the jungle is the only one to allow clarity in life and is the one law I can abide by," Jekyll spoke, realizing his excitement made his voice carry over others and quieting it down, just a bit, not at all minding the bizarre looks of the people the three of them passed. "Well, you do know, those cooking needs of yours, they would make you the best chef in charge. But that is not what I have been talking about, I suppose. You should work for me. I will not raise an eye brow when I see you engaging in your favorite passtimes, you know the physical ones that you crave so often. I would be the perfect employer and am the source of all the fun around you as we discussed. So think about it. If you reject me, being ferociously stubborn, as I have observed you to be, I would recommend you for the senior chef. What say you," Jekyll wondered curiously, alternating between serious and jovial tones. Previous messages in the thread: Leti's gaze fascinated on Henry with avid fascination as he spoke about politics. "But if'in they said they was all out for themselves, all honest like they'd never get the vote. Not from their own and not from them what doesn't like that honest self interest," she pointed out. "But I'd like to know, Dr. 'Enry, what would you do if you was in politics? I mean what would you want?" Leti's eyes were eager and curious. She looked forward to hearing the answer if he would honestly share it. "You seem honest and I like that. I always wondered what people like you thought," she said, half to herself. "But I have a feelin' most higher society gentleman don't think like you, do they?" Rena watched quietly. She wasn't nearly as avid with interest as Leti, but she was following their talk. Her gaze eventually searched the room for the man even as she listened to the other two talking. "What promotion,"Leti asked Henry skeptically. She didn't

? "I suppose your suggestion is as safe a way as any. You are in the lion's den. I fear that which you thought of our kind was correct at least half of the time. I am even one you would likely disapprove of for where some like my maker do not kill their dinner, merely taking some here and there from various doners I feed from those unfortunates who live on the street and I do take my fill. I consider it survival of the fittest. Yet I am still gentle enough for my kind. So perhaps they will b grateful and perhaps not. The one Amara has dangerous abilities of which I have never heard. She made me think she was my maker. He is not at all like she is and I don't know why it didn't occur to me for several minutes that he should not even be here or know where I am were he in London which he is not." She sighed slumping back in the chair. "I believe in the food chain and I realize those like you consider all human life sacred. So why you're not killing me now simply because I've not attempted to kill you is frankly beyond me." The stress of the situation had her being more frank and playing more on the edge than she would normally do. If he attacked her she supposed she'd just have to see how it went. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

? OOC, Reposting on new board IC "Oh you don't want to displease Capin' Dance,"Cylas told Elisabeth. "He's a sweet heart and loyal to the bone,"Keres said, chuckling at some obviously private joke. "Get it, Cylas...to the bone?" A door slammed somewhere in the house. "Ah that would be my husband, Keres said happily. A small man young of feature with white blond hair wandered in. "I think Ive lost time gain. Such a sin," he complained and sighed. Keres stared for a moment thoughtfully then shrugged. "Oh I'm sure it's fine, Darling." Turning to Elisabeth she said,"I'll show you out." She walked her to the door and bade her to return for a visit soon and..."Enjoy the cream." She shut the door as soon as the other woman had gone through it. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

Tatia carefully ascended the stairs into the attic where a coffin was safely tucked away…inside her sleeping friend. It seemed odd at times that she'd befriended the long lost daughter of the very woman responsible for so much of her pain but perhaps it was the reason they had bonded in the first place. While their stories were different both had things taken from them by Esther Mikaelson. At the top of the stairs she opened the door quietly entering the attic even though there was no chance of waking Freya. Her brown eyes roaming over the various boxes as she gracefully navigated her way toward the back checking to make sure nothing was disturbed. She found it simple enough to prevent others of her kind from entering the townhouse as all that was required was for the name on the deed to be that of a living person making an invitation required. Choosing someone for this responsibility was a simple enough task as for a little more than three decades she'd had the privilege of calling the Bennett family her friends. Her trip to the small town of Mystic Falls where long ago her home once stood was a shocking experience as nothing had been the same. Thoughts of that place often brought her mind back to a set of brothers she’d been torn between centuries ago. She stepped up to the coffin carefully raising its lid then closing it back upon seeing her friend still fast asleep. It might be a long shot but she still hoped the Bennetts might one day be able to help her remedy Freya’s little Dahlia problem. She turned making her way out of the attic descending the stairs at a leisurely pace while thoughts briefly turned to the Huntress she'd managed to form an alliance of sorts with not long after the founding families had rounded up all the vampires during her stay in Mystic Falls just over three decades ago. Few of her kind could claim as much when it came to Rayna Cruz as usually she'd just kill them. ————— Forty years ago, Rayna Cruz set herself on a path to revenge with a visit to the shamans though she hadn't been completely prepared for all the ways in which their magic would change her. For the most part she was given certain attributes they deemed necessary for the job at hand which was all well and good but it also did something to her mind. Since that night she was left with this unrelenting drive that never afforded her a moments peace or the chance to enjoy the simple things in life that so many took for granted. In the beginning it had been a struggle learning to curb that desire and not kill for the sake of killing when it came to vampires. Perhaps it all started with meeting a woman named Tatia Petrova who through both word and deed had shown her that not all of her kind were monsters to be put down. It was that chance encounter that led to an odd sort of friendship, if one could label it as such, and a slight change in her way of thinking. She sat quietly in one of the chairs found in the parlor with her sword easily within reach in spite of knowing that only vampires invited inside by the Bennett witch could gain access to their home. It still messed with her mind a bit that she'd chosen to live under the same roof as one whose kind she wished to eradicate. ———— Tatia moved through the hallways until she reached another set of stairs gracefully descending them as well then heading into the parlor where the huntress was seated. At times their interactions were relaxed, almost friendly, and others the tension was almost palpable. She wondered if the other woman's motives for traveling with her stemmed from some desire to protect the others from her. It was entirely possible even though at one time she had conceded that she was hardly the ‘worst of the worst’ which was the sort the huntress preferred having at the end of her sword. (ooc: reposting this…part two coming soon.)

Victor was still in bed; he heard something that sounded like someone coming through the door, and awoke slowly. This did not sit well with him, for there was a time not so long ago, when he would have awakened much more quickly, being very much startled by the entrance of someone. But now, he found it was harder for him to wake up, he was so very tired, and just wanted to keep sleeping. Idly he wondered to himself, are my potions doing for me what they should? They’ve always worked before but, is it time to change to something new, something different? He listened, someone was in the house, of course it could be the servants, it could be an intruder, but then he remembered, had it all been a dream yesterday, or had he actually brought his beloved Elizabeth back to life? It had been real, he reassured himself, as he slowly stood, and made his way toward the sound. Once he was a bit closer, he called in a voice only slightly more elevated than his conversational one, Elizabeth?? Is that you, Love? God loves you. On Sunday, November 3, 2019, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote: God loves you.

“I suppose that to a certain extent my own interactions are a bit…limited.” Nadia hardly made a point of intentionally avoiding others it simply worked out where most of her conversations happened to be with either family or those who served them. “Though I suppose that has more to do with our father's desire to keep us all close.” One eyebrow lifted so slightly it was barely even noticeable as she looked to her brother. //Hardly the point.// Resisting the temptation to respond by sticking her tongue out at him as they weren't alone and it might draw attention to the fact the two of them were carrying on a private conversation. She said her farewell before departing with her brother, waiting until they had gotten a little distance from the Black Bess then with a sidelong glance she began. “It may be nothing but…our mother seems to be growing increasingly distant while father remains so wrapped up in…politics that he either doesn't notice or perhaps doesn't care.” When someone passed a little too close she fell silent not particularly wishing their conversation to be overheard, only resuming once at a safe distance. “I imagine it doesn't help matters that of all places he brought the family to Teja’ari’s territory and since arriving in London we barely see him.” Would Mircea reach the same conclusion? Or perhaps he'd be able to convince her there was nothing for her to be worried about.

? OOC, Replying here on new group...obviously. LOL IC Natari's hand dropped self-consciously when Helsing complimented the ruby pendant. "Thank you..." She frowned as she considered the rest of what he said. "Well perhaps but they may kill you if you give them what they want because it leaves you, a mortal, with too much information that could be used against them. I didn't like or trust them. However perhaps you feel you have no choice right now. You could always pretend not to be able to find a way to do what they want. I don't know another way to ensure your safety." Then again what if they were angry and killed him for failing. "Well there is no way to truly be sure I suppose," she concluded belatedly. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

"I honestly don't now if the variations in taste are about blood type or fear levels. Someone told me that if a person is frightened or even an animal, that their blood tastes better," Natari answered after a slight hesitation. "In truth I don't know but yes it seems to be slightly different if I pay attention.Some more than others." She shrugged. "I am sorry not to be of more help." She paused for a moment, one hand reaching up to idly twirl the square ruby pendant she wore. "How do you intend to protect yourselves if this lot attempts to destroy you after they get whatever odd thing it is that they are after?" Would she help or care if they did? She knew enough wanted him dead but he was kind to her, so she honestly wasn't sure. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

The rolling thunder of an approaching storm had awakened Victor. He had indulged in considerably more alcohol than that to which he was accustomed that particular evening, so he was surprised at having awakened so soon. This is useless, he said into the empty air after having tossed and turned in a vein effort to once more reclaim sleep. The sound of thunder always reminded him of the night he had created Frank, it was an unpleasant memory for him, but it also held promise, his belief was that lightning itself held the very promise of life, as well as the prominent threat of death, depending on when and how it was used. He arose from his bed, somewhat annoyed, but feeling that this particular night held some sort of promise, as if this was a night for… Something, as if something were in the air, as if the very air vibrated with electricity; it must be that dratted youth potion of mine, I thought it would help me avoid a hangover the next morning, but it's working too good for my own good, he grumbled to himself, not paying any attention to his rather Poor use of grammar at the moment. It was a rejuvenating potion, but in times like this, he often shortened it to simply… Youth… Potion. Having dressed and having made himself A rather strong cup of coffee, he dawned his coat, and casually picked up one of the bottles of rejuvenating potion for another sip before heading out into the night toward his lab. His intention had been to take a few sips, then replace the bottle on the table before heading out, but his own label caught his eye… Rejuvenating potion, he mused allowed. He spoke now as if a colleague were present, why I don't think I have tried… What if I… He tightened the lid, placed the bottle in his pocket, and headed out into the crisp, stormy night. The wind whipped at his coat, seeming to challenge and dare him to proceed forward with this new idea; he hardly noticed as he took brisk steps, ever closer, closer to his lab, closer to the treasure that was there. Once inside, he quickly assembled the needed apparatus, and tried the previous experiment, determined to try it twice more without… The potion, before adding it. Both times he received the same result, spastic, unorganized movements of the limbs, but no real life, no words, seemingly nothing. Time for a change, he murmured, as he carefully added a single drop of rejuvenating potion, and tried again. The movements were more organized this time, but the eyes still remained closed; two drops, he stated as he added another drop, and tried again. This time, it looked as if she were trying to sit up, the arms and legs moved more, and the movements were more in sequence; the eyelids flutter, and Victor's expression turned very hopeful. So close, yet, closeness is an infinite distance until perfection is achieved, he murmured. The lab was so quiet, that a casual observer could have heard the clink clinking as he took more potion from the bottle into the dropper, three, four, five… Six, seven, drop by careful drop, he added the potion to the conglomeration of parts. No one would likely hear anything that went on in the lab that night, unless they happened to be in close proximity at that hour. Now, the lightning!… once more he brought the lightning, as he called in desperation… Elizabeth! My Elizabeth! Live! You, must… Live! Come, my beloved, emerge into the world of the living! Live!!! With the other trials, he had made notes in his journal of the various results, but now, he stepped back, his expression filled with hope, to observe, both with the clinical interest of a scientist, and the hope and anticipation of one who just knew… That this… Was the night, for life. Hopeful anticipation gave way to present joy as her eyes actually opened, and Victor stepped forward; taking her hand, he softly spoke her name, Elizabeth?… Are you… Is it really you? Are you… With me? God loves you.

The metal frame snapped in her hand as the portrait it held fell to the floor. Never had anyone caused Fedora to behave in such a way. Letting out a breath she felt silently grateful that the picture falling allowed the man's face to slide from view. Her eyes were free of him if the constriction in her chest where her soul should be was not. "Get rid of it," she told Dance, tone more pleading than demanding, which she strongly disliked. They had been sent the portrait and the commands by a higher up, and though she understood the necessity she hadn't expected...this whatever THIS was. He was strong and beautiful and unlike anything she'd ever seen before and looking at him had torn her soul out if she'd ever had one. "He is dangerous. Let us hope we can always avoid him," she told Dance, speaking even as she turned away and headed for the door. "I will go and make contact with the woman as we were ordered to do. I think she shall need a friend and you...do not need to be that friend. A woman will be better and you're all mine." She would've kissed him, but after the sight of the one in the photograph had somehow shattered her inside, she just couldn't face anyone, preferably not even herself. She went out the door without another word. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

After feeding, Natari returned to Dr. Van Helsing's, wondering idly if she'd find him alive. The youthful looking vampire wore a dark green velvet dress and a silvery cloak, her dark hair tucked under the hood and matching smoky quartz gems flashing in the necklace of heavy silver around her neck. She knocked, then asked the servant who opened the door to let the doctor know that Natari was calling. She had many questions, all laced with a feeling of unease. Those vampires...they had been...strange to say the least. Had they actually left Van Helsing unscathed? Had me somehow managed to kill them instead? While impressive that would be equally worrisome in an entirely different way, she decided. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.

They first went to the dress shop where a skilled seamstress was able to make a few alterations to a dress she already had. She wasn't able to work with the former Mrs. Hyde's clothing, but Rena didn't care. She just wanted to be covered. She and Leti went into the back with the seamstress while Henry was shown to a sofa where he could read magazines while he waited. Rena showed the seamstress her underthings and bra and spoke of various methods the woman could use to make something similar. The seamstress was in awe of the scandalously modern and obviously ore comfortable underthings, and believed Rena's story that these were the new ground breaking designs of NYC. An hour Rena promised to return in a few days to pick up the underthings and dresses she had commissioned. They next went to a shoe shop before heading for the Black Bess. "I just 'ope he's there," Leti said of the man who'd hurt her wrist. I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head.